What does the cryptic crossword clue "Despise mistreatment of pet in cold month (4,2,8)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of PET + IN + COLD + MONTH = HOLDINCONTEMPT The answer is HOLDINCONTEMPT.

Despise mistreatment of pet in cold month (4,2,8)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17507 | 6 Across | 2024-12-10 flower